Michael Gray says Sunderland must start firing from the first whistle if they are to get out of trouble and describes the clash with Reading as a ‘six-pointer’.

And Gray believes the upcoming transfer window will be crucial for Martin O'Neill as he looks to turn around the club's fortunes.

"January is a massive, massive month now for Martin O'Neill and Sunderland because they have got to bring in fresh faces," said the former Black Cats defender.

"The players at the minute are under-performing and I think they need something different in the squad."